Cumbria Crack’s Fell Foodie has landed a prime time TV slot with national treasure Mary Berry.
The Fell Foodie – who writes a column for Cumbria Crack – spent a day in the Lake District with her as part of her new BBC series Mary Berry: Love To Cook.
The episode will be broadcast on BBC Two on December 2.
Our Fell Foodie – otherwise known as Harrison Ward cooked for the former Great British Bake Off judge and dame.
He was approached to host Mary in Cumbria after he opened up on social media back in 2018, about his struggles with obesity and alcohol addiction.
He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome her to the Lakes, I couldn’t quite believe she’d made the journey just to film with me for the day.
“Mary was full of praise for the views, the way of life and the Cumbrian spirit, she had very fond memories of previous trips.
“She couldn’t believe I was wearing shorts out on the hills and said, ‘those legs have done a few miles haven’t they’, to which I replied, ‘they certainly have!’
“We were both so glad that the weather was on its best behaviour!
“It’s hard not to look up to Dame Mary Berry, her longevity and impact on the industry has been monumental. I think anyone in the food industry would love to have even a tenth of her success and legacy.
“She is like a British institution, it was an honour to be in her company.
“It gets harder to comprehend how my life used to be when moments like this happen.
“Five years ago I was on track to drinking myself into an early grace, penniless and with zero fitness to run for a bus let alone head up the hills. I was very proud to be able to share my story of battling depression, obesity and alcoholism on national television.
“I find it so important to talk about these things and if I can help one person by doing so it makes my struggles all the more worthwhile. I must admit though that I watered down some of the details as it felt a bit like I was having a conversation with my gran.
“It felt very comforting, especially as it was my Grananne that initially taught me to cook, beginning by baking a lot of cakes. I’m sure her and Mary would have got on well!”
Harrison’s episode will air on BBC Two at 8pm on Thursday December 2 and will be repeated on BBC One on Saturday, December 4 at 11.30am.
To find out more about the Fell Foodie, see his columns here.
